A recent CT scan on Carson Wentz’s back revealed a fractured vertebrae that, if allowed time to rest, would fully heal without further expected issues, sources tell ESPN. There will be a continued evaluation to determine if continuing to play this year will make injury worse.

Sources: A battery of tests revealed that #Eagles QB Carson Wentz has a fracture in his back. The team did CT scans throughout the season, but none revealed the fracture until now. The team is still determining if there is any risk of continuing to play. No surgery necessary.

With no surgery coming for #Eagles QB Carson Wentz, rest is the key. That’s why he’s not expected to play on Sunday — with QB Nick Foles starting. No determination has been made on Injured Reserve… but they won’t put him at risk. Looking more likely we’ll next see him in '19.

It's not clear how Wentz sustained his injury or where specifically the injury occurred, but it can be assumed that it was an external force — perhaps a hit, maybe being thrown to the ground.

That force was applied to the spine, and the spine, at a certain point, can't take that kind of pressure, resulting in a fracture. If the compression of the fracture is mild, you only experience mild pain and you may not have that big of an issue, according to KYW's Dr. Brian McDonough. If it's more severe, it can impact nerves and nerve roots that are in the spinal cord, which can cause more long-term problems.

Most fractures are treated with immobilization. The average person — a non-athlete — may be in a brace for eight to 12 weeks. Surgery can be an option, if necessary, but often that can be avoided.

As far as Wentz's long-term prognosis, he is young and appears to be otherwise healthy, McDonough said, so he should heal well.

The Eagles are practicing Thursday, getting ready for Sunday night's game against the Rams in Los Angeles.